“Cantaninja,” one student loudly exclaims!
He then executes three exuberant high kicks and shouts out the name of a popular Spanish song. Music quickly spills into Profe Shipley’s Spanish class and excited energy fills the air as students experience the sounds and culture of the language they are studying.
Using cantaninja as a brain break, the class continues to experience Spanish through different formats. Students hear popular and relevant examples of Spanish through real-life examples. This new curriculum, which creates stronger and more lasting connections than traditional textbooks, was made possible through BEF’s crowdfunding platform, Beaverton’s Choice.
Shipley has seen her Whitford Middle School students’ Spanish skills and engagement steadily grow after incorporating the new curriculum. Even students who are hesitant to speak in class are joining in.
“Many students have shared how much fun they are having in Spanish class,” explained Shipley, “Seeing them engaged and excited, while learning so much, is a deeply joyful experience.”
One student explained, “I didn’t think I was going to like Spanish, but this is really fun,” adding, “I’m really into music. Now I can understand a whole bunch more of it – because this brings my two favorite classes together.”
Students aren’t the only ones with praise for the new approach to language studies. Parents are thanking Shipley for taking time to think of their kids, with one exclaiming, “Adam loves his Spanish class!”
Learn more about all the great projects seeking funding on Beaverton’s Choice.